Help Desiree raise money

Support My Journey

THANK YOU to all the past generous donors and supporters of Cure SMA Canada for helping me stand again! This year, I will be walking for those who are living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and the Warriors who came before them.

My name is Desirée Parisien. I am 42 years old and I live with SMA. As with any disease that is progressive, you are faced with constant loss, never knowing when and what muscle or ability you will lose next.

This will be the 22nd Rebecca Run for Cure SMA Canada. The Rebecca Run has played an integral part in continuing to help individuals and their families living with SMA! This will be the second year that I will be joining the Rebecca Run and others within my SMA community, virtually, to raise funds for an organization that is truly near and dear to my heart - Cure SMA Canada.

I lost the ability to walk and stand independently at the age of 12, and I've been in a wheelchair ever since. Never in my wildest dreams would I ever think that I would stand again, but thanks in large part to Cure SMA Canada, I was able to purchase a standing frame.

Having a standing frame has already changed my life tremendously. It has improved contractures in my hips, respiratory function, posture and curvature of the spine, and my general well-being. It has also been great for improving my core strength, and it's been wonderful to be upright again and be able to fully stretch out my body. Not only has it benefited me in the physical sense, but it's also given me more confidence. For the first time in my life, I was able to talk to my husband and daughter at eye level. And there are no words to express the feeling of being able to hug each of them while standing - it was a moment I will never forget.

And this is just one example of how Cure SMA Canada has come alongside me and helped to personally improve my life. They have truly enriched my life and the lives of those closest to me.

I am truly honoured to be affiliated with this very worthy organization. I currently serve as the chair member of Cure SMA Canada's Advisory Committee, as an ongoing advocate, and representative for families within Saskatchewan. 

I've had the opportunity to witness first hand all that Cure SMA Canada has done and continues to do, to fight for our community. They continue to provide me a place where I feel like I am understood and belong; and not only for myself, but other SMA families throughout our country.

Being that I'll be taking part in the run virtually, I'll be choosing to complete the "run" at any time before July 22nd.

By sponsoring me today for the Rebecca Run, you are making a difference for all Canadians impacted by SMA, including myself! So thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. 💜

* Tax Receipts will be issued by Cure SMA Canada for donations over $20.

https://www.rebeccarun.com/

https://curesma.ca/